Significantly increased requirements regarding the environmental compatibility of combustion engines require more specific measures for reductions in consumption and emissions. Every modification to the...

The development of new propulsion systems for future vehicle generations is, among other aspects, characterized by: stringent legislative requirements, increasing system complexity and variety,
further...

FROM ROAD-TO-RIG-TO-DESKTOP

TOPEXPERT FEVcal: DoE-SOLUTION FOR MODEL-BASED CALIBRATION MINIMIZES DEVELOPMENT TIME

12. June 2015 | Software & Testing Solutions

The complexity of modern control units along with the increasing diversity of powertrain applications and the demand for shorter development cycles requires novel approaches to calibration. As a way to address these contemporary challenges, FEV uses model-based calibration which focusses on transferring major portions of the calibration effort from the vehicle to the calibrator’s desktop. FEV offers decades of experience in calibration and, in particular, with the application of model-based methodologies that have been incorporated into TOPEXPERT, FEV’s central platform for innovative calibration tools. TOPEXPERT allows optimal planning of measurement campaigns, enables the automatic execution of test maneuvers, either in the vehicle or on the test bed, provides numerous routines for efficient data analysis, and offers the possibility of automated data set optimization. These tools allow costly engine and vehicle tests to be minimized and allow the developer to avoid several manual iteration loops. Tasks that previously required days for testing, data evaluation and verification can now be accomplished within few hours. TOPEXPERT is delivered with optimized user guidance through TOPEXPERT’s workflow concept, calibration guidelines, individual training courses, service, and maintenance, and can be customized to accommodate specific requirements. Users of TOPEXPERT benefit from cutting-edge methodologies to reduce development time and increase calibration quality.

A new software tool featuring DoE based application processes has been developed at FEV and became available during the first quarter of 2015. FEVcal makes the powerful DoE technique easily applicable and addresses the particular challenges in automotive development that require tailored adaptations of the generic DoE methodology. Special emphasis was placed on developing fast and highly reliable modeling algorithms that are unique to the market. “We have adapted today’s state-of-the-art global modeling techniques based on Gaussian Processes to also address the specific characteristics of engine and powertrain modeling. This approach, combined with intuitive visualization and user guidance, enables the engineer to quickly investigate and optimize among others the engine’s behavior,” product manager Dr. Silja Thewes summarizes.

Minimized development time, optimized results

Special attention has been placed on guiding the user through a dedicated, yet very flexible, workflow. FEVcal offers a very clear structure that is supported by a comfortable interface and feature-rich visualization options, allowing even non-experts to apply DoE based development processes. FEVcal calculates optimized test plans based on statistical considerations, minimizing test bed usage or simulation eff ort while, at the same time, enabling high model quality. Based upon measured or simulated data, FEVcal creates models that capture the behavior of even complex systems and form a perfect basis for the subsequent optimization. The high quality results enable the user to exploit the full potential of a modern powertrain and allowing the rising demands of the automotive industry to be met.

TOPEXPERT at a glance

FEVcal Design of Experiments: Virtual powertrain development based on DoE